Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2025

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Association of PBRM1 rs2251219 with major depressive disorder and biochemical variables in a Taiwanese cohort
Kuan-Ju Chou1, Chuan-Hsun Yu1, Yu-Ting Yan2
1Department of General Psychiatry, Yu Li Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
Genetic studies have identified more than 100 loci linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), underscoring its polygenic characteristics. Although the protein polybromo-1 ( PBRM1 ) rs2251219 polymorphism was reported to be associated with MDD, this has not been corroborated by additional studies. In the present study, the associations between PBRM1 rs2251219, MDD, and key biochemical variables were evaluated in a large Taiwanese cohort.
Methods:
Data were collected from 117 679 individuals aged 30 to 90 years who were enrolled in the Taiwan Biobank. MDD diagnoses were based on self-reported data validated through national insurance claims records. Genotyping was conducted with an Axiom Genome-Wide Array, and associations with biochemical variables were analyzed through a general linear model adjusted for age and sex.
Results:
A significant association was observed between PBRM1 rs2251219 and MDD risk ( p = 0.021 for genotype and p = 0.025 for allele). Individuals with the T allele had a higher MDD risk than C/C genotype carriers did. Biochemical differences were also observed, with T/T carriers with lower body mass index, platelet counts, albumin concentrations, and fasting glucose levels and higher red blood cell counts, hematocrit levels, and uric acid levels.
Conclusion:
The PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism was associated with both MDD and biochemical measurement variation. These findings support the effects of the PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism on blood protein levels and psychiatric traits.
Insights
The PBRM1 rs2251219 gene variant is linked to an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD). This genetic factor also correlates with variations in key blood biochemical levels, impacting psychiatric traits.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex, polygenic condition with over 100 identified genetic loci.
- Previous research suggested a link between the PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism and MDD, but findings were inconclusive.
- This study aimed to validate the association between PBRM1 rs2251219 and MDD in a large Taiwanese population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism and the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD).
- To explore the relationship between the PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism and various biochemical parameters in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 117,679 individuals (aged 30-90) from the Taiwan Biobank.
- Diagnoses of MDD were confirmed using self-reported data and national insurance claims.
- Genotyping was performed using an Axiom Genome-Wide Array, with statistical analysis employing a general linear model adjusted for age and sex.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between the PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism and MDD risk (genotype p=0.021, allele p=0.025).
- Carriers of the T allele exhibited a higher risk of MDD compared to C/C genotype carriers.
- Significant differences in biochemical markers were observed, including lower body mass index, platelet counts, albumin, and fasting glucose, alongside higher red blood cell counts, hematocrit, and uric acid levels in T/T carriers.
Conclusions:
- The PBRM1 rs2251219 polymorphism is significantly associated with both major depressive disorder risk and variations in biochemical measurements.
- These findings suggest that PBRM1 rs2251219 influences blood protein levels and psychiatric traits.
- The study provides further evidence supporting the role of PBRM1 rs2251219 in the complex etiology of MDD.
Related Concept Videos
Depression: Overview
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Bipolar Disorder
G-protein Coupled Receptors

